Wicked: For Good is more than just a sequel but a story with so much to unravel. The second part finally hit the theaters after such an anticipated wait. Before diving into the relevant messages this second movie brings, it’s worth reconnecting with the foundation laid by Wicked Part I, which came out just a year earlier. Because the whole story was so extensive, the director chose to split it into two films, allowing space for deeper storytelling, honoring the Broadway show, and letting the audience savor the anticipation for Wicked: For Good.
Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, a green-skinned girl in Oz who grows up misunderstood. Alongside her unlikely friend, like Glinda, she navigates prejudice, moral dilemmas, and corruption at the heart of Oz. Though she’s eventually labeled the “Wicked Witch of the West,” the story shows her to be a deeply complex, sympathetic character. Here are some of the most meaningful messages I took from the second film:
From: Glinda
- Forgiveness with boundaries
Glinda forgave but didn’t let people walk over her. She knew where she was standing and set boundaries because she knew her worth and knew she deserved so much more. So the moral of the story is that you can forgive with grace and still protect your peace. An example is when she confronts Madame Morrible after realizing how much manipulation was happening behind Oz, Glinda stood her ground and demonstrated that Grace and boundaries can coexist.
- Real friends over fake crowds
Choose a real friend over 100 fake ones. Glinda and Elphaba’s friendship breaks the stereotype of women being pitted against each other. Even with the Fiyero love triangle, they chose honesty and loyalty over jealousy or competition. Their bond shows that real friendship will always outshine fake friends.
From: Elphaba
- Embracing uniqueness
Elphaba learns that standing out isn’t just a weakness, but it’s her strength. Even when others try to make her feel less because of her differences, she discovers that what sets her apart is exactly what gives her purpose.
- Choose what’s right, not what’s popular.
Elphaba always chose what was right over what was liked; she also picked honesty rather than lying, unlike the wizard. So that’s why you should do what’s right even if no one is on your side.
- Not everyone deserves you.
Not everyone deserves access to you because you don’t owe others an apology for being yourself. Some people won’t understand you, and it is not your duty to make them know. Sometimes it is better to stick with the people who choose you every day, or simply ask, “How’s your day?” or “How have you been?” Value those who simply make you feel special or who understand your small references/humor.
Overall
Wicked isn’t simply the tale of two witches. It is a story about what happens when a society punishes difference, silences the truth, and exploits the natural world.
In Oz, the animals symbolize marginalized groups stripped of their rights. The cages, muzzles, and forced silence reflect real-world oppression and dehumanization.
Meanwhile, Elphaba represents anyone who refuses to stay silent. Her rebellion echoes every fight for liberation, racial justice, environmental justice, disability rights, LGBTQ+ rights, animal rights, and more. Elphaba’s role isn’t just that of a “bad” witch (as people want it to be), but of a woman dedicated to uncovering the truth and wanting everyone to expose the lies Oz has accepted.
Today, women are still pressured to stay quiet, forced to fit into a society shaped by limiting gender norms, or make themselves smaller. Wicked: For Good reminds us why our voices, boundaries and differences matter. Glinda and Elphaba show that you can protect your peace, stand up for what’s right and be yourself without having to apologize. Their story speaks to every woman learning to choose herself, value real connections, and stay true even when the world doubts her. In the end, Wicked reminds us that being true to who you are isn’t wicked at all, it’s being empowered.